Back to Basics: Simple Steps to Black Hair Growth

So here I am again... at one of my favorite natural health food stores about to fall off the product junkie wagon and buy every product under the sun in an effort to gain super speedy hair growth. Arms full of oils, shampoos, deep conditioners, bottles of essential oils falling all over the

place. Who cares if the store owner wants to kick my butt out of the store, I am on a mission!

It's funny because prior to starting my journey I haven't really noticed other women with naturally long hair. As of late, that is all I see. Don't get me wrong, my hair isn't tore up or anything, but it could use some real work. I use to be and still am in some way, horrible when it came to taking care of my hair due to my hectic schedule and just plain laziness at times. I mean hair care is a lot of work, regardless of how you wear it and like most black women I have worn my hair both straight and natural to test out that statement.  I get exhausted just thinking about the routine that is required to maintain and achieve healthy beautiful hair. So what does that mean for me then? Weekly and daily routines that produce beautiful healthy hair, or quick wash and gos, that require little maintenance and also produce lack luster, dry, brittle hair? (You noticed I didn't  mention long hair. I think if I can accomplish the first two goals, hair length will come naturally--right?). So I've decided on the former, however that leaves me with two important questions:

1) How do I find the time to achieve these beautiful, awe dropping tresses?
2) Where do I begin?!

First off, I had to have a real honest look at my schedule and what I was actually doing with my time. I came to the realization that I spend A LOT of time in front of the television 

I 'm talking close to 40 hours a week people! No wonder I don't have enough time to do even the most basic things I need to do to take care of myself, which includes going to the gym (but that's a discussion for another blog). I mean seriously, that's a work week. I'm actually a little embarrassed to admit that. Clearly time is NOT the issues here...

Next, I really had to get back to basics?  Hair care does not have to be complicated at all. Simply ask yourself:

• What are your issues regarding your hair? List and prioritize them. Mine are alleviating a dry itchy scalp; dry, brittle hair; breakage and shedding.  In that order.
• Next work on eliminating each issue one at a time. Some will inevitably influence others, but if you work at one at a time, it avoids confusion about what is working.

I know, I know, we are all striving to find that bottle of magic that will fix all of our hair ills, but addressing each issue at a time will help you recognized what does and doesn't work for your hair. You will also learn to develop a new appreciation for your hair. I mean how can you not appreciate your hair? After all the abuse it's still growing "strong"! Honestly, I think my hair should be clogging my shower drain right now, but it appears to still be attached to my head--through thick and thin (pardon the pun).

As you're figuring out how to correct the issues you're having with your hair, be mindful that not every product will have the same results on your hair and scalp as someone else. Suggestions are great, but your hair will be the final judge of a "great" or "crappy" product. Taking this step by step approach may seem tedious, but it far worth it because you will have a specialized routine that helps your hair become the best it can be!

I'd love to hear any hair goals other subscribers may have and the success they are having with different products....store bought or self created.